Ronald Vention Hacker

WITH LOVE TO RONALD VENTION HACKER

I am the widow of SGT Ron Hacker, who was killed in action on 3 April 1969.

He served in Viet Nam from September 1968 until his death, with C Co, 1/22nd Infantry, 4th Division. He was killed west of Kontum as he was carrying a wounded soldier away from the line of fire. I was given his Purple Heart and Silver Star after his death, along with that information, but there is still so much unknown. I would like to know who that wounded soldier was, and if he survived. If anyone is still around who knows any details, I would like to get more info.

For that matter, if anyone even remembers Ron, and maybe has some stories to tell, or pictures to share, I would love to hear from you.

It's been 30 years, but he'll never be forgotten. There is a very special place in my heart that is reserved just for him.

From his widow,
Darelynn R (Hacker) Clay

NOTE FOR JERRY WARNER

I read your memorial posted at the VVMF website and would love to hear from you. I can be reached at dclay@cox.net or dclay@teledyne.com.

09 Apr 2006

Happy Birthday, Ronnie. (April 8th) I'm a minute late due to circumstances out of my control, but it doesn't mean you aren't still in my thoughts.

Today at the airport I was just thinking about the fact that it was your birthday, and I looked up to see a woman wearing a t-shirt that said, "Remember the Fallen"... Coincidence? I think not... I talked to her and found that she lost her son in Iraq 3 years ago... the sadness never ends...

Love,
Your widow,
Darelynn

Thanks to all for the comments coming in... I read and appreciate them all...

03 Apr 2007

Ronnie, I haven't forgotten you, and I never will. Today is 38 years since you left me here and I promise to keep your memory alive as long as I'm still living.

Ya know I had a funny thought recently. You will always be remembered as that 'young good looking guy' (you were only 20, after all), and I'll be remembered as that 'old lady who was his wife' (I'm 57 now, and still going strong).

Actually it was your sister Nancy who first pointed out that you will be forever young, but it really got me thinking....

Love, and thanks from all of us that we still have our freedom, thanks to men like you.

Your widow,
Darelynn

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you:
1. Jesus Christ
2. The American G. I.
One died for your soul, the other for your freedom.
~Author unknown~

11 Nov 2007

Ronnie,

It's amazing how much things have changed since you left, or since I last wrote, for that matter. I am now living in Pennsylvania and in a relationship with a wonderful guy who is vice president of "Friends of the Forgotten" ... a group that raises awareness of the POW/MIA issue.

I now belong to "Friends of the Forgotten", myself, and also "The Patriot Guard", a group that supports the military, and protects the survivors from the protesters. Too bad we didn't have this kind of support during the Vietnam era, but then, people weren't protesting at the funerals then, either. How low can they go?

Today is Veteran's Day and I will be going to a parade. I'm thinking of you, and doing my part to keep your memory alive.

Love,
Darelynn (your widow)

03 Apr 2008

It's been 39 years ago today, since the fateful event. You are still in my thoughts, and always will be ... as that corner of my heart will forever be yours. In 5 days, would've been another birthday ... you would've been 61 ... Wow! Where does the time go? I'm still hanging on ... someday we shall meet again, and our 'Heaven' will have a new beginning. I have so much to share with you....

I'm a little late on my Veteran's Day memorial to you. Your sister is a true procrastinator.

"Throughout our history, America has been protected by patriots who cherished liberty and made great sacrifices to advance the cause of freedom. The brave members of the United States Armed Forces have answered the call to serve our Nation, ready to give all for their country. On Veterans Day, we honor these extraordinary Americans for their service and sacrifice, and we pay tribute to the legacy of freedom and peace that they have given our great Nation." ~ George W.

I just want you to know that your sacrifice, your short time on this earth, will never be forgotten. There are times, like today, when I truly wish you (and dad) were here. I know that I will never truly get to know you, only the legacy you have left behind of a great man. A man who would give his last breath in attempt to help another.

I served with Ron in Vietnam. I was wounded just days before he was killed. I have a letter that was written to me in 1969 from another one of the guys who served with us. He told me in his letter that Sergeant Hacker had been killed and also mentioned that another guy in our outfit by the name of Denny Lyons had been wounded in the same battle that Ron was killed in. It may have been Denny Lyons that Ron pulled to safety on that day. Either way, after almost forty years I still consider it an honor to have served with Ron. Even though I didn't know him all that well I do remember him.

I was with Charlie Company on that day in April. My name is Gary Richardson, I carried the company radio, I remember that day well. In fact if it had not been for the M60 machine gunner killing one of the enemy who raised up with a B40 rocket aimed at me talking on the radio I would not be here today. I did not know your husband well but all the guys who served with me over there were great guys and you should be proud of him.

Ronnie, I'll be thinking of you this Fall. I will be going back to West Virginia to visit our old homeplace, where we spent many happy childhood days. Although the house is gone the memories remain. The creek where you took your little sister surfing on an old board is still there. The old barb wire fence along the field is still there where Mom made made you leave your clothes hanging because you had met up with a skunk. Your laughter and the good times we had on those late evenings chasing fireflies and each other. Your brothers and I will always have you in our thoughts ... you are a part of us.

We love and miss a brother we didn't have for very long.
Forever, Nancy, Joe and Randy